CN104955366A

CN104955366A - Liquid heating apparatus and operating methods

Info

Publication number: CN104955366A
Application number: CN201480006057.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 詹姆斯·豪伊特; 科林·彼得·莫顿
Original assignee: Strix Ltd
Current assignee: Strix Ltd
Priority date: 2013-01-24
Filing date: 2014-01-22
Publication date: 2015-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-22
Also published as: JP2016504139A; GB201301297D0; EP2948032A1; US10226152B2; RU2015132171A; ZA201504527B; EP2948032B1; US20160045062A1; WO2014114935A1; CN104955366B; ES2670804T3; HK1211448A1; RU2627212C2; JP6416121B2; AU2014208971B2; TR201807561T4; AU2014208971A1

Abstract

The invention discloses a liquid heating apparatus and operating methods. An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a warm liquid comprises a heater (27), a pump (22) and a temperature sensor (40) sensitive to the temperature of the liquid upstream of the heater (27). A controller (50) is arranged to receive upstream temperature data from the temperature sensor (40), calculate the amount of energy required to reach a desired final temperature, energise the heater (27) for a calculated period of ON time, and dispense liquid for a calculated period of time that is at least partly contemporaneous with the calculated period of ON time. After the heater (27) has been de-energised, the dispensed liquid removes residual heat so that the average temperature after dispensing the predetermined volume is the desired final temperature.

Description

Liquid heating apparatus and method of operating

Technical field

The present invention relates to the method and apparatus for the water of predetermined being heated to desired temperature (such as preparing the warm water used in infant formula milk or other infant food).

Background technology

Current manufacturing technology makes to produce and to store aseptic Infant Formula Enterprises subsequently for making infant's milk infeasible.The World Health Organization (WHO) instructs the preparation of infant formula milk (" safety of Infant Formula Enterprises is prepared, stores and processed: instruct ", WHO, 2007), therefore advise that the water by Infant Formula Enterprises and temperature being greater than 70 DEG C mixes and makes it recombinate, to make the Infant Formula Enterprises sterilizing may polluted by the harmful bacteria of such as Enterobacter sakazakii and salmonella.

Current Infant Formula Enterprises or infant food are typically via using the water restructuring of recently boiling in kettle, to make Infant Formula Enterprises sterilizing, then allow liquid cools to being suitable for the temperature of infant---such as, typically, be approximately body temperature or slightly high several years.But this is the operation of time-consuming and it may be difficult to judicious temperature exactly.

Even if infant formula milk not by sterilizing, also still expected that preparation made milk have the formula of the final temperature of about body temperature (such as 37 DEG C) when being administered to infant before water (the such as >70 DEG C) tune that use is very hot is converted.In practice, this often means that preparation must be cooled to desired final temperature after warm water or hot water being mixed with formula.Reliable mode is not had to recombinate immediately at correct temperature place formula powder.Although cold water can add in preparation, with accelerating cooling process, there is cold water and be not aseptic risk and this can affect correct dosage and final temperature in this.

Still a kind of method of improvement is needed, to distribute the warm water of controlled volume at controlled temperature, for infant formula milk of recombinating, infant food and other object.

Summary of the invention

When viewed from first aspect, the invention provides the method for equipment of pump of geothermal liquid that operation comprises heater and distributes predetermined, said method comprising the steps of: the temperature measuring the liquid of heater upstream; Calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by heater energy from upstream temperature; Calculate and be used for heater energising with the "ON" time period of sending calculated energy; Heater is energized the "ON" time period calculated; Operating pumps during first time period, with be distributed in from the outlet of equipment predetermined initial temperature or the first volume on predetermined initial temperature by the liquid heated, wherein first time period is in the identical period at least in part with the calculated "ON" time period; Make heater power-off; And make pump operated second time period after a first period of time, to distribute the liquid of the second volume from the outlet of equipment, thus remove waste heat from heater, first volume provides predetermined together with the second volume, wherein the final temperature of mean temperature desired by after predetermined distributes of the liquid of the first volume and the second volume.

When viewed from second aspect, the invention provides the equipment of the geothermal liquid for distributing predetermined, this equipment comprises heater, pump, to temperature sensitive temperature sensor and the control device of the liquid of heater upstream, this control device is arranged to: receive the upstream temperature data from temperature sensor, calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by heater energy from upstream temperature, calculate for making heater be energized with the "ON" time period of sending calculated energy, heater is energized the "ON" time period calculated, operating pumps during first time period, with be distributed in from the outlet of equipment the first volume on predetermined initial temperature or predetermined initial temperature by the liquid heated, wherein first time period is in the identical period at least in part with the calculated "ON" time period, make heater power-off, and make pump operated second time period after a first period of time, to distribute the liquid of the second volume from the outlet of equipment, thus remove waste heat from heater, first volume provides predetermined together with the second volume, the wherein final temperature of mean temperature desired by after distributing predetermined of the liquid of the first volume and the second volume.

Thus, calculating makes the temperature of liquid rise to the total amount of the thermal energy required for desired final temperature from upstream temperature, and be separated between the liquid of this liquid at the first volume and the second volume, wherein the liquid of the first volume such as may be used in the initial temperature place restructuring Infant Formula Enterprises being greater than 70 DEG C, meet the guidance of WHO for preparation Infant Formula Enterprises thus, the liquid of the second volume is in lower temperature, the mean temperature being suitable for the final temperature (such as 37 DEG C of places) be supplied to desired by infant is equaled with the liquid of the distribution of giving total predetermined.That is, once all liq is assigned with, the final temperature expected is the mean temperature of the liquid in container (such as baby bottles).

Therefore, can understand method and apparatus of the present invention allows accurately and be provided in the liquid of the predetermined at desired final temperature place in repeatably sending.The same with the "ON" time (namely determining the amount of the heat energy that liquid can obtain) that calculating heater is energized, the method can calculate first time period and second time period of the liquid of liquid for distributing the first volume and the second volume, namely guarantees that the first volume provides user to wish the predetermined distributed together with the second volume.Therefore, the second time period calculated during calculated first time period and after a first period of time, pump can be operated.As hereafter explained, after the time period that the second time period calculated can calculate immediately preceding first, or pause can be had between pump operated first time period and the second time period.Will be appreciated that, "ON" time period calculated for making heater be energized and the pump operated first time period calculated and the second time period can being calculated, making the liquid of predetermined have desired final temperature after it distributes completely.This means that user only needs to start assigning process, the liquid being predetermined distributes with desired final temperature by result.Calculate the second pump operated time period, to remove waste heat from heater, make the liquid of predetermined have desired final temperature, such as 37 DEG C.

The separation distributed between first time period and the second time period can also allow user by the liquid of the first volume and the infant's powder forward slip value at the liquid of distribution second volume.In one group of embodiment, this can become convenient, as hereafter discussed by preferably providing pump operated pause between first time period and the second time period.In other examples, pump can run through first time period and the second time period and be operated continuously, and only difference is that the energising of first time period and heater occurs simultaneously, and the second time period is after heater power-off.Such as, when liquid is distributed by the milk powder retainer in exit, or when user before Liquid distribution, when between allotment period or after distributing milk powder manually being added to liquid, user does not need to pause and adds Infant Formula Enterprises by the liquid heated individually to.

Heater can comprise batch heater, in this batch heater, the liquid of predetermined heated before leaving heater "ON" time period of calculating.But in one group of embodiment, heater comprises fluid heater (flow heater), in this fluid heater, liquid allows enter when heating and occurring and leave heater.Heater can comprise standard fluid heater or such as at the fluid heater applying for disclosed in applicant discussing in WO 2010/106349 and background technology thereof.An example of this fluid heater is " two-tube " class, and in this " two-tube " class, liquid stream conduit is arranged adjacent to each other with the pipe of the heating element heater comprising band sheath, such as, be brazed together.If have traditional fluid heater that " two-tube " design for by heating liquid to boiling, the steam so carried secretly can cause be heated to boiling point problem with preventing uniform liquid.The solution of this problem is the fluid heater allowing steam to leave separately, such as, disclosed in by WO 2010/106349.When fluid heater is used to following to boiling for heating liquid temperature, then steam can allow to overflow individually, such as, as to apply for disclosed in applicant in WO2011/077135 discuss, or steam and liquid can from same flow conduit simply together with leave.In the present embodiment, preferably, desired final temperature, below boiling, and can not need fluid heater or other heaters, with by heating liquid to boiling point.Heater (such as fluid heater) can be arranged to by heating liquid to following temperature of seething with excitement, thus reduces or avoid the sputtering phenomenon because heat etching and local boiling cause.Heater can have constant power, and such as, its nominal heating power is rated at 800W.In different examples, heater (being preferably fluid heater) can operate under the relatively low power of such as 800W, 900W or 1KW.

Equipment directly (such as good and all) can be connected to the fluid supply for supplying liquid to pump and heater, and such as vertical is in water supply main line.But in one group of embodiment, equipment comprises the reservoir for supplying liquid to heater.Preferably, reservoir is removable, is easily such as refilled from tap by user to allow it.Reservoir can comprise the minimum filling sensor being such as connected to control device, this minimum filling sensor be set to liquid level in reservoir below minimum filler time stop the operation of equipment (or at least heater and/or pump).This forbidding protection heater of equipment is overheated, can damage the dry combustion method situation of heater.

No matter equipment is connected with fluid supply (main line of such as supplying water) or be provided with reservoir, and applicant has understood can be desirably in pre-treatment (and the preferably sterilizing) liquid that liquid arrives the outlet of equipment.This is by providing treating apparatus to realize easily in the upstream of pump and/or heater, but in practice, treating apparatus can be arranged on the upstream of outlet Anywhere.Comprise in one group of embodiment of reservoir at equipment, treating apparatus can be arranged on the upstream/downstream of reservoir, or in reservoir, or at the inlet/outlet place of reservoir.Treating apparatus can take the form of filter, is preferably antibacterial air filter.If use filter, be then preferably arranged on the upstream of reservoir, so that the flow rate of the fluid flowed out from reservoir exceedingly can not be limited during the operation of equipment.But, other forms of process can be used to replace filter, or other forms of process can be used except filter, any combination of such as UV treatment, chlorine treatment, ozone treatment or these sterilization treatment.The object for the treatment of apparatus eliminates microbial contamination and other materials, and liquid was purified before being assigned with, and this is even more important when distributing warm water to make infant formula milk or food.

In one group of embodiment, imagination treating apparatus can comprise heater, and this heater is arranged to minimum time period boiling liquid, to realize sterilizing.For this purpose, treating apparatus can use the heater of himself, but preferably processes and be performed in the calculated "ON" time period, in the "ON" time period that this calculates, heater is energized, calculated energy to be delivered to the liquid of predetermined.This may need equipment to be compared with the minimum time period the calculated "ON" time period, to guarantee to realize sterilizing.Such as, WHO instructs regulation water should to be boiled " some minutes ", loses activity or kill pathogenic microorganisms to make pathogenic microorganisms.In such an embodiment, equipment may further include heat exchanger, and the liquid be processed can be cooled before being assigned with.

Comprise in one group of embodiment of reservoir at equipment, equipment can be included in the middle maintenance chamber between reservoir and pump, and for chamber being kept to be filled into the device of predetermined water level from reservoir.According to this embodiment, pump can not directly from reservoir draw liquid, but from middle holding chamber room draw liquid.Keep chamber to be filled into predetermined water level because middle, therefore the pressure head at pump intake place is by known, and thus when calculating pump speed, flow rate etc., it can be taken in as a factor.Preferably, the middle chamber that keeps has the volume less than reservoir.Keep the liquid level in chamber during distribution can reduce even if middle, but cover less scope when the change of pressure is drawn from larger reservoir than liquid.

When providing reservoir, preferably, upstream temperature in reservoir (or when being provided with middle maintenance chamber, keeping in chamber in centre) is measured.In one group of embodiment, calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to the energy of desired final temperature by heater step from upstream temperature and comprise and measure the temperature of heater or the temperature in heater downstream, namely equipment comprises the temperature sensitive temperature sensor in temperature to heater or heater downstream.The temperature of measurement heater or downstream temperature give the instruction of the residual amount of energy in equipment, such as because environment temperature and/or equipment are operated recently, therefore heating element heater provides some waste heats, and it can take in when calculating the energy be heated to by predetermined required for desired final temperature as a factor.Such as, if equipment comprises some some waste heats from prior operation, then the energy for predetermined being heated to desired final temperature is not also used the energy of a very long time by lower than equipment.Thus, for the heater of constant power, such as, what calculate will be shorter for the "ON" time period making heater be energized.

Downstream temperature can be responsive to any residual liquid in equipment, but preferably, it is to the responsive to temperature for liquid to be transported to any device distributing outlet (such as conduit or pipe) from heater.Thus, at least in certain embodiments, the energy calculated comprises the thermal capacity of heater and any other the heat radiation in heater downstream.The heat loss of all right bucking-out system of the energy calculated, if especially have pause between first time period and the second time period.In the calculating of calculated energy, the duration of pause can be measured by control device and use.But, in fact, energy loss may by the estimation of calculated energy or preceding calibration constant (such as 10%) and cause.

The power being fed to heater can change, such as, controlled by control device, the flow rate of the power of heater with the liquid through heater to be mated.Compared to the liquid with the mean temperature corresponding to predetermined initial temperature distributed in first time period, this may be used for guaranteeing for whole first time period, fluid temperature remain on predetermined initial temperature (or more).But in one group of embodiment, the power being fed to heater by control device is constant (although may have fluctuation in main power source, as hereafter discussed).This simplify the calculating of required energy.

Equipment can comprise the device of the flow rate for measuring the liquid by heater.If this measurement is fed into control device, then it allows control device control pump operation first time period and the second time period, namely in order to distribute the liquid of predetermined.Device for measuring flow rate can comprise flowmeter, and it is set to single parts or the part as pump, and such as pump may be used for inferring flow rate.In some instances, pump can be relied on the flow rate delivering liquid of constant, and regardless of fluid pressure (such as, as set by the upstream liquid pressure in main power source or reservoir).Such as, but in one group of embodiment, equipment comprises for by the device of the liquid delivery of constant flow rate by heater, flow regulator.This can be provided by electronic flow controller (such as valve), but preferably provides the flow regulator type described in WO 2012/114092, and the content of WO 2012/114092 is incorporated to herein by reference.

Because the device for sending flow rate sets the constant flow rate (it is preferably independent of the pressure sent by pump) by the liquid of heater, thus constant flow rate allows control appliance more simply.Such as, some pumps of such as electromagnetic pump tend to operating flexibility barrier film, instead of piston, and depend on that fluid pressure can send different flow rate.This can use the relatively inexpensive parts of such as flow regulator to realize.Thus, first time period and the second time period can calculate simply based on the liquid volume to be allocated in each time period of these time periods, are then distributed the liquid of predetermined simply by the set time section (i.e. the summation of first time period and the second time period) that operating pumps is overall.For measuring the device of the flow rate of the liquid by heater or the liquid for sending constant flow rate is preferably located in the downstream of pump and the upstream of heater, namely between pump and heater by the device of heater.

Constant flow rate also makes it be easier to the liquid of the first volume being distributed in predetermined initial temperature place, such as, device for sending constant flow rate can be chosen as the rate of heat transfer of mating in from heater to liquid, makes the liquid of the first volume in whole first time period with the temperature distribution of relative constancy.This by pump (such as displacement pump) setting itself or can be set by the flow regulator in pump (such as electromagnetic pump) downstream.Constant flow rate is preferably between 100ml/ minute and 300ml/ minute, and such as, between 150ml/ minute and 300ml/ minute, and preferably about 170ml/ minute, and this can measure between the alignment epoch of such as equipment.Alternatively, flow regulator can be preset with reliable flow rate, the suitable pressure compensation permanent flow valve that such as can buy from Nai Tefeimu company (Netafim) (www.netafim.com).The device being provided for sending constant flow rate also reduces the impact along with the change of time, service voltage, wearing and tearing etc. of the flow rate of carrying out self-pumping.

Because calculated the total amount needing the energy sent by heater, and in certain embodiments, liquid is known or calibration by the flow rate of heater, so do not need to measure final fluid temperature, such as, checks it to reach predetermined initial temperature in first time period.Measurements, to be delivered to the energy of liquid of predetermined and the calculating of the flow rate through the liquid of heater of the temperature of heater upstream to all required for this.As hereafter discussed, it is also conceivable to any fluctuation in the main power source of the operation that may affect heater and/or pump.

Predetermined initial temperature can be that the mean temperature of liquid of distributing in first time period or liquid can distribute with constant predetermined initial temperature in first time period.But, at least just start to be difficult to when system can not be in balance realize, therefore in the liquid distributed, always may there is the little temperature fluctuation of at least some.Therefore, predetermined initial temperature can correspond to minimum temperature, distributes more than this minimum temperature at first time period liquid.In one group of embodiment, this can correspond to the sterilising temp of bottle and/or Infant Formula Enterprises.Preferably, predetermined initial temperature is greater than 60 DEG C, such as, be greater than 65 DEG C, and is further preferably greater than 70 DEG C.Predetermined initial temperature can such as be set by the user via the input component on equipment, and to allow it to change between operations, or predetermined initial temperature can be programmed in equipment.In one group of embodiment, the predetermined initial temperature of the first volume of liquid of original allocation is preset in about 95 DEG C.This guarantees the sterilizing of Infant Formula Enterprises, and is similar to the temperature of the normally used water just seethed with excitement.In general, predetermined initial temperature can be greater than desired final temperature, and the temperature of the liquid of the first volume namely distributed is greater than the temperature of the liquid of the second volume of distribution.

In certain embodiments, predetermined initial temperature can be roughly the same with desired final temperature or not higher than desired final temperature.Such as, when the fluid temperature of swimming on the heating is not more much lower than desired final temperature, the energy sent by heater calculated can be relatively little, therefore, during the second time period when heater is energized during first time period and when waste heat removes, liquid can with about identical temperature distribution.When equipment operates in the environment with relatively high environment temperature (be such as greater than 25 DEG C, 30 DEG C, 35 DEG C or be even greater than 40 DEG C), this may occur.When the liquid of trip (such as in reservoir) has the temperature of >35 DEG C on the heating, then it may be difficult to the predetermined initial temperature that realizes being greater than 60 DEG C or 70 DEG C in first time period, and after distributing predetermined, obtain the final temperature of lower expectation subsequently, unless predetermined is comparatively large or apportionment ratio is very low, because waste heat can not be disperseed fully.Preferably, predetermined initial temperature is greater than environment temperature, such as, be greater than 25 DEG C, 30 DEG C, 40 DEG C or 50 DEG C, but predetermined initial temperature can not with 70 DEG C, 80 DEG C, 90 DEG C or 95 DEG C equally high.Such as, in the temperature that can be had within the scope of 50-70 DEG C by the liquid heated that first time period is distributed.In at least some embodiments, predetermined initial temperature can not be set or programme.No matter whether predetermined initial temperature exceedes minimum temperature, and compared with desired final temperature, predetermined initial temperature only can depend on the beginning temperature of the liquid of heater upstream.

When viewed from further aspect, the invention provides the method that operation comprises heater and the equipment for the device of the geothermal liquid that distributes predetermined, said method comprising the steps of: the temperature measuring the liquid of heater upstream; Calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by heater energy from upstream temperature; Calculate for making heater energising to send the time period of the "ON" of calculated energy; Heater is energized the "ON" time period calculated; During calculated first time period, distribute the direct-fired liquid of the first volume from the outlet of equipment, wherein first time period is in the identical period at least in part with the calculated "ON" time period; Make heater power-off; And the second time period calculated after a first period of time distributes the liquid of the second volume from the outlet of equipment, the liquid of the second volume is heated indirectly by removing waste heat from heater, first volume provides predetermined together with the second volume, and wherein the mean temperature of the liquid of the first volume and the liquid of the second volume is the desired final temperature after predetermined is assigned with.

When viewed from another further aspect, the invention provides the equipment of the geothermal liquid for distributing predetermined, comprise heater, for the device of dispense liquid, to temperature sensitive temperature sensor and the control device of the liquid of heater upstream, this control device is arranged to: receive the upstream temperature data from temperature sensor, calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by heater energy from upstream temperature, calculate for making heater be energized with the "ON" time period of sending calculated energy, heater is energized the "ON" time period calculated, calculate the first time period of the direct-fired liquid distributing the first volume from the outlet of equipment, wherein first time period is in the identical period at least in part with the calculated "ON" time period, make heater power-off, and calculate second time period after a first period of time of distributing the liquid of the second volume from the outlet of equipment, the liquid of this second volume is heated indirectly by removing waste heat from heater, first volume provides predetermined together with the second volume, wherein the mean temperature of the first volume of liquid and the second volume of liquid is final temperature desired after distributing predetermined.

Because calculated energy is that the whole of the liquid of predetermined are heated to energy required for desired final temperature from upstream temperature, the concrete temperature curve of the liquid therefore distributed in the second time period is not crucial.As long as be not too high by the flow rate of the liquid of heater, then, when the second time period, the Liquid distribution of the second volume occurred, all waste heat energy can be delivered to liquid from heater.In practice, this is not problem, such as, when being less than the flow rate of 500ml/min.Usually, control device does not need to calculate for the maximum flow rate of each batch operation, although its can be during factory calibrated, such as limit flow rate in extreme situations and programme in a device or the value preset.The use of the selection of pump and/or the flow restrictor between pump and heater can determine maximum flow rate.When being provided with device (such as the flow regulator) of the constant flow rate for being delivered through heater, this can select the flow rate providing below maximum flow rate.Therefore, in general, the liquid distributed in the second time period will reach the thermal balance with heater in the end of the second time period or before the end of the second time period.In other words, it is preferred for being removed by all waste heats during the second time period.But, heater can be made to be energized at least calculated "ON" time period, namely may to be longer than the time period of calculated "ON" time period, or in the "ON" time period of adding locate with the rear time that the second time period was in the identical period.Thus, this will leave some waste heat energy in heater.Then, need to calculate more accurately by the flow rate of heater, the heat energy of right amount to be delivered to the liquid flowing through this heater during the second time period from heater.

Desired final temperature can be any suitable temperature of the embody rule for equipment.Such as, equipment may be used for distributing for the preparation of the geothermal liquid of the food of such as powder or cold drug or the light beverage (such as 65 DEG C to 85 DEG C time brew instead of use the water just seethed with excitement) for injecting such as white tea or green tea.But, in one group of embodiment, be particularly useful for preparing baby formula, desired final temperature between 27 DEG C and 47 DEG C, preferably between 32 DEG C and 42 DEG C, further preferably about 37 DEG C.Desired final temperature can be set by the user, and such as, via the input component on equipment, to allow it to change between operations, or desired final temperature can be programmed in equipment.As discussed abovely, owing to calculating the energy required for the heating liquid of predetermined to desired final temperature, therefore do not need to monitor continuously by the final temperature of heating liquid or the temperature in exit.But equipment can be included in the temperature-sensing device in exit, this temperature-sensing device is to by the responsive to temperature of liquid heated.This can be used as handshake, to monitor the temperature of the liquid distributed, and can be used by control device, with the energising (time and/or power) of the first time period of control pump operation and the second time period or even pump speed (such as controlling in the flow rate situation by the liquid of heater instead of flow regulator) and/or heater, to regulate final temperature well.

Because first time period is in the identical period at least in part with the calculated "ON" time period, therefore the energising of heater in time with the first operation overlap of pump.First time period strictly can correspond to the calculated "ON" time period, and namely they can be energized simultaneously.Thus, in one group of embodiment, the method is included in and is energized, to start the calculated "ON" time period with the time chien shih heater starting first time period roughly the same with operating pumps.Therefore, the "ON" time period calculated can be located to start in the time identical with pump operated first time period, and without any need for preheating.The beginning of the "ON" time period calculated even after the beginning of first time period, such as, can make some distribution before heater energising in the liquid of the first volume.The heating of this delay can swim on the heating measured fluid temperature on specific threshold use, make to need less energy to be heated to desired final temperature.But, in this case, heater can be made relatively easily to start in the time identical with pump and shorten the "ON" time period calculated.

In one group of embodiment, the beginning of the "ON" time period calculated is before the beginning of first time period.Thus, heater was energized before this heater at liquid pumping, thus allowed heating means preheats to its operating temperature or towards its operating temperature preheating.This guarantees that heater (such as comprising heating element heater and liquid stream conduit) is sufficiently heated, the liquid of the initial volume making any residual liquid in heater and be pumped across this heater is in predetermined initial temperature place, and avoid first time period and "ON" time period of calculating strict corresponding time the liquid of initial volume that distributes be cold risk.Therefore, the method may further include and heater was energized the step of predetermined period before first time period starts.

Can be fixing for the preheating time making heater be energized before pump operated.But, in one group of embodiment, before pump operated, make heater energising section preheating time, until reach predetermined preheat temperature.This can by measuring the temperature of heater or the temperature sensitive temperature sensor (when being provided with) in heater downstream.In one group of embodiment, comprise the heating element heater of band sheath and the contiguous liquid stream conduit arranged each other, temperature sensor can be arranged to and one or two thermo-contact well in the heating element heater with sheath and liquid stream conduit.Such as, the temperature of heater can be measured by with the temperature-sensing device that the heating element heater of band sheath is communicated with the soaking of liquid stream conduit, such as applied for described in WO 2013/024286 disclosed in applicant, the content of this application is by reference to being incorporated to herein.The predetermined preheat temperature of heating element heater can be greater than 200 DEG C, such as 210 DEG C.Due to the thermograde in equipment, liquid stream conduit is typically heated to just below 100 DEG C by this.

In first time period, pump can operate continuously, to provide steady flow.But, inventor understands, when liquid flows through heater with typical flow rate (such as provided by the flow regulator in pump downstream), the coefficient of overall heat transmission of heat energy from heater to liquid can be greater than the power of heater, and therefore heater can cool down when liquid flows through this heater, in particular when predetermined initial temperature is suitable for sterilizing, such as, when being greater than 70 DEG C.This causes the sizable change of the temperature of the liquid of distribution during first time period, namely cools down.In order to adapt to this phenomenon, the flow rate being delivered to heater can change, and makes the coefficient of overall heat transmission of the heat energy from heater to liquid such as by reducing the power match of flow rate and heater.When liquid be directly pumped into heater and non-use traffic adjuster, then this can by regulate pump speed realize.But in one group of embodiment, pump operates at first time period period, i.e. shallow bid ground pumping, to regulate overall flow rate.This is particularly suitable for the embodiment using constant flow rate adjuster between pump and heater.This pulse operation allows heater to increase temperature between the time of liquid pumping, and the liquid of pumping during first time period can be distributed more accurately with predetermined initial temperature.

The end of first time period can overlap with the end of calculated "ON" time period or even before it, namely pump can when heater power-off or before stop pumping.But in one group of embodiment, the end of first time period is after the end of calculated "ON" time period, and namely preferably, pump continues pumping liquid after heater power-off.This prevents the overheated of heater.

As long as the second time period started after a first period of time, and preferably start after heater power-off, then for some different possibilities that comes into existence of the second time period.Such as, the second time period can occur after a first period of time immediately, wherein pump continued operation.In these embodiments, the second time period start the time by heater power-off is generally limited.Therefore, the step of heater power-off can stop first time period (such as in the direct-fired situation of liquid) and pump can continued operation, to start immediately for the second time period (such as when liquid is by removing waste heat indirect).Any pause may not be had between pump operated first time period and the second time period.Such as, utensil can comprise the device for Infant Formula Enterprises (or other foods to be reorganized) being added to when liquid is assigned with in liquid, and does not need user intervention.

But in one group of embodiment, pump stops between first time period and the second time period, namely has pause.Time period not dispense liquid between this means hereinto, and allow before the liquid of distribution second volume, such as Infant Formula Enterprises to be added in bottle and to mix with the liquid of the first volume, or, if allow when Infant Formula Enterprises was added in bottle before the liquid of distribution first volume rock bottle or stir bottle.Pause can between 30s and 60s, such as 45s.The restriction of this relatively short time period is from the amount of the heat energy of heater loss.In practice, the pause (being such as less than 60s) of short-term may can not affect the amount of residue waste heat.The duration of pausing can for predetermined and automatically occur.But in one group of embodiment, the duration of pause is determined by user.Such as, user such as can start for the second time period by pressing button.This can allow user to ignore the pause of pre-programmed when expecting fast allocation the second volume.

Can understand, for pump operated first time period and the length of each time period in the second time period consider heater upstream liquid temperature and calculated, this determine the energy required for the heating liquid of predetermined to desired final temperature.Typically, desired final temperature is higher than environment temperature, such as, be greater than 25 DEG C, 30 DEG C, 40 DEG C or 50 DEG C.But this final temperature can be realized by the liquid of direct heating the first volume, the liquid of this first volume is little by the liquid liquid that is identical or ratio the second volume of the second volume removing waste heat and indirect with after heater power-off.Therefore, the liquid of the second volume can be greater than the liquid of the first volume.Have been found that the second pump operated time period can compensate predetermined by removing roughly all waste heats from heater, this can take the longer time than the direct heating of first stage.Therefore, the second time period can be longer than first time period.In fact, calculated for the second time period to guarantee energy balance, make the given predetermined for distributing, desired final temperature realizes exactly.

The liquid of the first volume can between 20ml and 100ml, preferably, between 20ml and 60ml.This be for the supply size (such as 270ml-300ml) of baby formula maximum about 20%.The liquid of the second volume can between 50ml and 250ml, and preferably, between 100ml and 240ml, that is, in general, the liquid of the second volume can be greater than the liquid of the first volume.Each volume for the liquid of the first volume and the liquid of the second volume can be selected by user, and such as, via user interface, in this user interface, user inputs a value or selects from multiple pre-programmed option, such as standard jar size.But, be the liquid of predetermined in one group of embodiment, the cumulative volume of the liquid of the distribution namely selected by user.Then based on the first volume liquid desired by final temperature and predetermined initial temperature, control device calculates the liquid of the first volume and the liquid of the second volume.The liquid of predetermined can between 50ml and 350ml, and preferably between 60ml and 300ml, such as 200ml can be typically used in baby formula, but volume will depend on the age of infant to be fed certainly.The present invention extends to the equipment of the geothermal liquid (preferably water) for distributing predetermined described herein, and this predetermined is from following one or more middle selection: 60ml, 120ml, 150ml, 180ml, 250ml, 270ml, 300ml, 340ml.

Pump can be for by the liquid delivery of flow rate by any suitable pump of equipment.In one group of embodiment, pump comprises electromagnetic pump.Such as, this pump can be sent and be preferably more than 0.5bar and preferably up to the pressure of 4bar.When arranging this pump, as described above ground, the constant flow rate of such as 170ml/ minute sent by this permissible flow adjuster.This constant flow rate adjuster typically needs minimum pressure (such as 0.5bar), to operate and to be therefore preferably set to be connected with electromagnetic pump, to pressurize to the flowing of adjuster upstream.

In another group embodiment, pump comprises displacement pump, such as piston pump.In fact this pump can operate with actual constant flow rate (average in time) on the fluid pressure of wide region.When relying on the liquid carrying of pump by constant flow rate itself and be fed to heater/by heater, then as described above, flow regulator can omit.

Can understand, other pump is arranged and can be fallen within the scope of the present invention.Equipment even can not comprise clear and definite pump installation.As described above ground, equipment directly (such as good and all) can be connected to outer liquid body source, and such as vertical is in water supply main line.When equipment is connected with the fluid supply on main line of such as supplying water, imagination " pump " only can comprise the valve controlled when liquid distributes from external source.In such an embodiment, constant flow rate device can be used to regulate, such as, as discussed above by the flow rate of heater.In one group of embodiment, equipment comprises relief valve, and this relief valve is arranged to discharge too high pressure from heater, such as, in heater or heater downstream blocks.Relief valve can be placed on the downstream of heater, but is preferably located in the upstream of heater, such as, between reservoir and heater, because this can not disturb by the final distribution of liquid in the exit of equipment of heating.Relief valve can lead to air, such as, discharge pipe outside equipment, or drain pan.But routinely, when being provided with relief valve, relief valve leads in reservoir to returning.

In one group of embodiment, control device is from each input component equipment, and such as temperature sensor and level sensor receive data, and uses these data namely from its calculating control pump performed and/or heater.Control device can comprise the microprocessor with all parts data communication.As above, equipment can be calibrated at it and/or be calibrated by user before it uses for the first time during factory manufactures.Preferably, the value determined between alignment epoch and relation are used by control device, with the operation of control appliance.

Mentioned above, when equipment calibration before it uses for the first time (such as in the factory or by the part of user as initial setting process), local main power voltage can be considered.Although the nominal power that heater can be rated for provides fixing exports, this can be affected by the difference in main power source.Such as, the main power source in Europe is generally 230V, but is 220V on the contrary in China.Equipment can be calibrated, and for using in other countries, such as main power source power is only the U.S. of 120V, or the Japan of 100V power supply.But even if exceed this calibration, still may have fluctuation between the operating period of equipment in main power source, this fluctuation can affect the performance of equipment, particularly when attempting with when final temperature distributes the liquid of predetermined accurately.Therefore, in one group of embodiment, preferably, operation comprises measures the step of main power voltage, and further preferably considers main power voltage and regulate the operation of heater and/or pump.

In Britain, main power source is defined as 230V (+10% ,-6%) by European standard 61000-4-14.Even if the voltage pulsation within the scope of this can have serious impact on the power stage of heater and/or pump, because power and voltage is square proportional.Some 1 electron-like devices refer to responsive to main power source fluctuation and need to be connected to shielded main power source (such as using constant-voltage transformer), but the home appliances in 2 electron-like devices is intended to be directly connected to power supply and do not have any this protection.Be most possibly 2 class home appliances according to equipment of the present invention, such as, there is the cable for being directly connected to main power source.

Main power voltage can depend on the time of one day and predict (because fluctuation typically occurs according to known using forestland) potentially, but is actual measurement main power voltage more accurately.Control device can be arranged to measure main power voltage in any way as suitable.Such as, control device can comprise or be connected to supply voltage sensor (such as by Eaton (Eaton Corp.) or other suppliers sell).In preferred one group of embodiment, control device comprises the tension measuring circuit of the main power source of the equipment of being connected to.Preferably, tension measuring circuit is a part for the microprocessor of control device or is connected to the microprocessor of control device, the operation that the microprocessor of this control device is arranged to consider main power voltage and is regulated heater and/or pump.Tension measuring circuit can be the analog circuit with analog/digital converter, and this analog/digital converter is used for providing the numeral of the electric pressure measured by representative to input to microprocessor.

Measured main power voltage can be used by control device, to regulate the power of heater, to realize identical power stage regardless of the fluctuation in main power source.But as described above, preferably, control device can not regulate the power being fed to heater.Therefore, the Energy transmission of heater depends on fluctuation in main power voltage and changes.For guaranteeing that the required energy calculated sent by heater, when calculating the time period required for heater energising, preferably consider the main power voltage measured.

This just itself is considered to novel and creative, and therefore when viewed from further aspect, the invention provides the method that operation comprises the utensil of the pump of the geothermal liquid of heater and distribution predetermined, the method comprises the following steps: measure the main power voltage being provided to heater; Measure the temperature of the liquid of heater upstream; Calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by heater energy from upstream temperature; Main power voltage measured by consideration calculates for making heater be energized with the time period of sending calculated energy; Heater is energized the "ON" time period calculated; And operating pumps, to distribute the liquid of predetermined.

According to another further aspect, be provided for the equipment of the geothermal liquid distributing predetermined, comprise heater, pump, to the temperature sensitive temperature sensor of the liquid of heater upstream and controller, this controller is arranged to: measure the main power voltage being provided to heater; Receive the upstream temperature data from temperature sensor; Calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to the final temperature of expectation by heater energy from upstream temperature; Main power voltage measured by consideration calculates for making heater be energized with the time period of sending calculated energy; Heater is energized the "ON" time period calculated; And operating pumps is to distribute the liquid of predetermined.

Can understand, use this method and apparatus to regulate heating process, to compensate the fluctuation in local main power source, such as this fluctuation can occur in the different time of a day, and does not need to regulate the power being fed to heater.In addition, due to be the liquid of predetermined heated instead of continuous print stream (such as be provided for tea, coffee etc. hot water routine beverage dispensing device in), therefore flow rate is not exclusively relevant with final temperature to be achieved, as long as distribute predetermined (and the energy calculated transmits effectively from heater) exactly.

According to the embodiment of these further aspects of the present invention, the geothermal liquid of predetermined can be distributed by one or more time periods of operating pumps.Imagination pump can operate before or after heater is energized a time period, and this time period and calculated "ON" time period are in the different time periods and operate.This can use when heater comprises batch heater instead of fluid heater.But, in a preferred embodiment, pump operates during first time period, this first time period is in the identical period with the calculated "ON" time period at least in part, to distribute the liquid of the first volume, make heater power-off, subsequently pump operated second time period, to distribute the liquid of the second volume, wherein the first volume provides the liquid of predetermined together with the second volume.As discussed above, pump can operate continuously, makes for the second time period immediately following first time period, or can have pause in pump operated between first time period and the second time period.

Preferably, after the Liquid distribution of predetermined, the mean temperature of the first volume and the second volume is the final temperature expected.Be provided to the actual main power voltage of heater due to measurement and this taken into account, because this ensure that the accuracy of final temperature when calculating the time period of heater energising.

Change in main power voltage can also affect the output of pump, and this can be relevant to the embodiment of any aspect of the present invention.If liquid is directly delivered to heater by pump, such as, between pump and heater, do not have constant current regulator, then flow rate will depend on pump speed.In such an embodiment, the main power voltage that (alternatively or extraly) measures can when calculating the flow rate of being sent by pump and/or pump operated time period, be considered.Pump speed and/or pump operated time period can correspondingly control.This can assist in ensuring that the geothermal liquid distributing predetermined exactly, and will cause volume on or below being assigned with due to the fluctuation of pump speed.But, in preferred one group of embodiment, use constant current regulator (as described above), to set constant flow rate, and therefore do not need the change considering pump power.

Main power voltage can be measured termly, and this information may be used for the calculating upgrading heat time section.But, preferably, perform the single measurement (such as in the beginning distributing circulation) of main power voltage, once to calculate heater section conduction time, then continue heating and distribute predetermined.For the liquid (such as typically for making the water of infant's milk) of predetermined, distributing circulation, especially section conduction time of heater, typically will only to continue one or two minute or less.This means after beginning is measured, not needed that there is the closed feedback loop regulating heat time section at main power voltage.Certainly, this helps to simplify the calculating performed by control device, also guarantees the accuracy of heating process simultaneously.

As used herein term " sterilizing " means to relate to and kills potential harmful germ and the process of bacterium.It should be interpreted as the specific class of implicit sterilizing---and such as, meet clinical sterilizing object or actually meet any other concrete object or effect.

Accompanying drawing explanation

By means of only the mode of example, specific embodiment of the present invention is described referring now to accompanying drawing, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the stereogram of utensil according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 and 3 is main parallax stereogram and the rear perspective view of the essential inner component of the utensil shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the viewgraph of cross-section of the water pot shown in Fig. 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 illustrates the signal chart by the discharge of utensil, power and the signal of telecommunication;

Fig. 6 is tension measuring circuit chart;

Fig. 7 is the flow chart being listed in the key step related in the complete distribution circulation according to the first embodiment;

Fig. 8 is the drawing of the operation of utensil;

Fig. 9 is the drawing of the temperature curve illustrated for the water in bottle;

Figure 10 is another flow chart being listed in the key step related in the complete distribution circulation according to the second embodiment;

Figure 11 be illustrate when the cycle assignment 120ml volume according to Figure 10 by heat liquid time operation and the drawing of temperature curve; And

Figure 12 be illustrate when the cycle assignment 330ml volume according to Figure 10 by heat liquid time operation and the drawing of temperature curve.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 is the stereogram of embodiments of the invention, and illustrates for distributing warm water to prepare the utensil 1 of infant formula milk from Infant Formula Enterprises.This utensil illustrates to have shell body 2, is provided with the window 4 for observing the water level in inner water pot 6 (see Fig. 2 and 3) in this shell body 2.Three user's load buttons 8 are had at the right-hand side of housing 2.These load buttons are used for setting timer when new water filter is installed, for carrying out the clean cycle of utensil 1, and for carrying out scale removal circulation.The various modes of operation of panel 10 displaying appliance 1 of LEDs, namely warning lamp instruction water filter needs to change.On-off button 12 and rotatable dispensed volume dial 13 are arranged on the distribution be positioned at above drain pan 16 and export on 14.Baby bottle or cup 17 (shown in Fig. 5) can be placed on drain pan 16, make in use to be assigned in bottle or cup 17 by the water heated, wherein shell body 2 has at drain pan 16 and the depressed part 18 distributing the vertical extension between outlet 14, with accommodation bottle 17.

Can see the main internal part of utensil 1 in the stereogram of Fig. 2 and 3, Fig. 2 and 3, respectively from the front and rear of utensil 1, has wherein removed shell body 2.Inside water pot 6 on the left side with window 4 illustrates, and has towards the outlet 19 of its base portion, and this outlet 19 is for feed water line 20.Water conduit 20 first through pump (such as electromagnetic pump 22), then through relief valve 24 and by pressure compensation permanent flow valve 26.When water conduit 20 excessively pressurizes, relief valve 24 leads in water pot 6 to returning.Suitable pressure compensation permanent flow valve 26 can be bought from Nai Tefeimu company (www.netafim.com).

After pressure compensation permanent flow valve 26, water conduit 20 leads to fluid heater 27, and in this fluid heater 27, water flow pipes 28 is soldered to the heating element heater 30 of band sheath.Cold lead-in wire (cold tails) 32 of the either end of the heating element heater 30 with sheath is connected to power supply (not shown).Water flow pipes 28 leads to the final section of water conduit 20, and then this final section is supplied to dispensing head 34 and outlet 14.Dispensing head 34 can take the form of intermediate cavity, and this intermediate cavity receives the liquid and/or steam that leave from fluid heater 27.Dispensing head 34 can help to make any steam from by the fluid separation applications heated, to make controlled flowing flow out from outlet 14 and not have any splash.

Can see the inner side of water pot 6 in the viewgraph of cross-section of Fig. 4, Fig. 4 illustrates the inside top sending hyponome 36 to be arranged on water pot 6.Untreated water (main line of such as supplying water) is placed into this and send in hyponome 36.Antibacterial air filter 38 is positioned at the bottom sending hyponome 36, is discharged in the bottom of tank before it leaves water pot 6 via outlet 19 to allow water.The entrance 37 entering into water pot 6 from relief valve 24 can also be seen.

Referring back to Fig. 2 and 3, multiple temperature sensor is placed on each some place around heating system.First, temperature sensor (such as negative temperature coefficient thermistor 40) projects through the wall of water pot 6, to sense the temperature of the filtered water in the bottom of water pot 6.Second temperature sensor (such as negative temperature coefficient thermistor 42) towards outlet side and band sheath heating element heater 30 outside on place.In addition, two bimetallic actuators (or other temperature-sensing devices) are arranged on the outside of fluid heater 27, and one only contacts with water flow pipes 28, and another contacts with both water flow pipes 28 with the heating element heater 30 of band sheath.Bimetallic actuator is such as half inch of dish or thermo-fuse 44,46.Two and half inches of dishes or thermo-fuse 44,46 prevent from being with the heating element heater 30 of sheath overheated.This layout of both temperature-sensing device and heating element heater 30 and water flow pipes 28 thermal communication is also illustrate that in the open application WO 2013/024286 of applicant.

In the schematic form of Fig. 5, also can see the critical piece of utensil 1, in Figure 5, also show the flowing of water, the signal of telecommunication and power.All parts are controlled directly or indirectly by electric controller 50, and this electric controller 50 receives the signal of telecommunication from all parts and controls to be delivered to the band heating element heater 30 of sheath and the power of electromagnetic pump 22.Electric controller 50 is connected to main power source 52 via tension measuring circuit 100.Heating element heater 30 with sheath is also connected to main power source 52, and the heating element heater wherein with sheath is controlled via the switch 54 in heating power supply circuit 56 by electric controller 50.In addition, pump 22 is connected to main power source 52, and wherein pump is controlled via pump power controller 58 by electric controller 50.

Electric controller 50 is from the negative tempperature coefficient thermistor 40 water pot 6 and be with the second negative tempperature coefficient thermistor 42 on the heating element heater 30 of sheath and receive the signal of telecommunication from the level sensor 60 (not shown in Fig. 2 and 3) that the minimum filling water level pump power controller 58 and detection water pot 6 has reached.

According to other embodiment, electromagnetic pump 22 can replace with the pump of other kind, the displacement pump 22' of such as such as piston pump.Pressure compensation permanent flow valve 26 can omit, particularly when the flow rate of constant can be delivered through the change of fluid heater 27 and no matter hydraulic pressure by pump 22'.Other embodiment can also omit pump completely, and depends on the external source being directly connected to main line of such as supplying water, and uses permanent flow valve or adjuster, to guarantee that by the flow rate of heater be known.

Fig. 6 provides the example be connected to for the suitable tension measuring circuit 100 between the live wire AC_L pole of the main power source 52 of utensil 1 and neutral conductor AC_N pole.Circuit 100 measure analog voltage levvl AC_ _inputand this is provided to the A/D converter of electric controller 50, to provide numeral input.The supply voltage V_ used by electric controller 50 _inputnumeral is entered as ratio therewith.

The operation according to the equipment of first group of embodiment will be described now with further reference to Fig. 7-9.

When equipment starts new distribution circulation time, first it perform warm-up phase.Heating element heater 30 with sheath is connected.The supply voltage V_ measured _inputfor calculating instantaneous heater element power Q_ according to formula 1 _point:

Q_ _point=((V_ _input) ^2/ (V_ _calibration) ^2) x Q_ _point_ _calibration(formula 1)

Wherein V_ _calibrationand Q_ _point_ _calibrationfor the calibration value of (after the fabrication or when utensil uses first) heating element voltage of determining and heater element power during the initial calibration of utensil.Therefore, run one at each utensil and distribute circulation time, it causes the change of main power voltage 52.Once supply voltage V_ _defeated _entermeasured, it can not be again monitored in identical distribution cycle period.

Then, electric controller 50 calculates the liquid Vol_ of predetermined _supplybe heated to the energy needed for final temperature T_ supply of expectation.Liquid volume Vol_ _supplycan be set via input dial 13 or select by user.Final temperature T_ _supplycan be set by the user or select, but for infant formula utensil 1, it is typically programmed, such as T_ _supply=37 DEG C.The temperature T_ of the water in tank 6 _tankmeasured by negative tempperature coefficient thermistor 40 and be provided to electric controller 50.Certainly, the environment temperature of the water in tank 6 will depend on environmental condition and change.Then, can calculate predetermined Vol_ according to formula 2 _supplybe heated to desired final temperature T_ _supplyrequired gross energy Q_ is total:

Q_ _always=Vol_ _supplyx Cp_ _waterx Δ T x K ₁(formula 2)

Wherein Δ T=T_ _supply– T_ _tank, Cp_ _waterfor by the specific heat capacity of liquid heated, K ₁for the compensating factor for heat loss.K ₁typical value can from the factory testing of equipment or calibration determine by rule of thumb and be pre-programmed into controller.

The liquid Vol_ of predetermined _supplydistribute in two stages, i.e. Vol_ _supply=Vol_ _initially+ Vol_ _cooling.First volume V_ _initiallyat temperature T_ _{original allocation}>70 DEG C of place distributes, to make the milk powder " sterilizing " in bottle 17.Distribute the second volume V_ _coolingto remove waste heat amount, to cause whole volume Vol_ from the heating element heater 30 of band sheath _supplyto the final temperature expected, such as T_ _supply=37 DEG C.

Need heating element heater 30 preheating of band sheath to guarantee whole original allocation volume Vol_ _initiallyenough thermally distributed.Heating element heater 30 with sheath is heated to nominal target temperature, such as T_ _order _mark=210 DEG C, to guarantee that it is hot (due to thermograde, should just below 100 DEG C in this some place water flow pipes 28).The actual temperature T_ of the heating element heater 30 with sheath _elementmeasured by the negative tempperature coefficient thermistor 42 on the heating element heater 30 of band sheath.For the energy Q_ of preheating _preheatingcalculate according to formula 3:

Q_ _preheating=m x Cp x (T_ _target– T_ _element) (formula 3)

Wherein Cp is the specific heat capacity of heater, and m is the quality of heater.

Then t_ preheating time is provided by formula 4 _preheating:

T_ _preheating=Q_ _preheating/ Q_ _point(formula 4)

When calculating the total "ON" time (t_ for making the heating element heater 30 of band sheath be energized _heater) time, the storage power Q_ that must store in consideration system _store.This calculates according to formula 5:

Q_ _store=m x Cp x (T_ _element– T_ _tank) x K ₂(formula 5)

Wherein K ₂for considering the compensating factor of heat loss etc., it can be determined by rule of thumb and be pre-programmed in electric controller 50.Factor K ₂may be used for this part of adjustment programme, thus when being coiled 44,46 by one or two on fluid heater 27 half inch and detecting that the heating element heater 30 of band sheath is overheated, electric controller 50 can stop batch operation.

Then, calculate for the heating element heater 30 of band sheath is energized "ON" time period t _ _add _{hot device}calculate according to formula 6:

T_ _heater=(Q_ _always-Q_ _store)/Q_ _point(formula 6)

The pump operated first stage needs distribution first volume V_ _initiallyheating liquid, and this calculates according to formula 7:

Vol_ _initially=Q_ _always/ (Cp_ _waterx (T_ _{original allocation}-T_ _tank) x K ₁) (formula 7) wherein T_ _{original allocation}for being preset in electric controller 50 with the value of such as 95 DEG C.

Then, can calculate according to formula 8 and 9 for pump operated two time periods:

T_ _{pump 1}=Vol_ _{initially/flow rate}(formula 8)

T_ _{pump 2}=Vol_ _{cooling/flow rate}(formula 9)

Wherein, flow rate is the flow rate entering into the liquid of fluid heater 27 set by pressure compensation permanent flow valve 26.Flow rate is for may be used for the other value of each utensil calibration (after the fabrication or when utensil uses first).

Fig. 7 is the flow chart listing the key step related in complete distribution circulation.Can see, program is by measuring the main power voltage V_ in this time _inputstart, to set up the power Q_ of the heating element heater 30 of band sheath _pointaccurate calculating.Then, electric controller 50 from the negative tempperature coefficient thermistor 40 (NTC1) water pot 6 and band sheath heating element heater 30 on the second negative tempperature coefficient thermistor 42 (NTC2) read reading.From these inputs, pump 22 can be calculated and operate section preheating time before the first initial dispensing phase, the section and the second pump operated period conduction time of the heating element heater 30 with sheath, to distribute the liquid of the whole volumes required for the infant food that makes in bottle 17.Electric controller 50 can be programmed for pause setting-up time section t_ _pause, such as 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s, with the water allowing user Infant Formula Enterprises to be added to original allocation, or allow user to stir food when formula powder is in bottle 17.But utensil 1 can be provided with button or other allow user to start the input component of the second allocated phase as requested.

As mentioned above, the flow rate entering the liquid of fluid heater 27 is set by pressure compensation permanent flow valve 26, to have steady state value (such as 170ml/min) and no matter such as due to any change of voltage pulsation or the pump speed due to the wearing and tearing relevant to the time limit.In some cases, may have and need to reduce flow rate, to provide desired dispense temperature, and this can open pulsedly by making pump and close and realize.Fig. 8 illustrates the chart of the operation of the heating element heater 30 of band sheath, and pump 22 covers heating element heater 30 temperature curve (the i.e. T_ of the band sheath of sensing _{element 52}) and the outlet temperature 54 measured at the dispensing head place of utensil.Also show heater "on" position 58 and pump operated state 60.The beginning temperature 56 of the water in tank 6 is constant, such as T_ _tank=18 DEG C.Can see, pump operated first period t_ _{pump 1}period, as the water V_ of the first volume _initiallyat this temperature T_ _{original allocation}punishment timing, the temperature 54 measured at dispensing head place has the mean value of about 85 DEG C.Then outlet temperature 54 declines, and starts to move to the heat thermal balance stored with system and its due to it, and the pause between pump operated different times rises again.When pump operated second period t_ _{pump 2}start, have the warm water of small size to be distributed by the outlet being arranged in water flow pipes 28, but this is promptly followed by stage t_ _{pump 2}the large volume Vol_ of period pumping _coldnot by the water heated.Outlet temperature 54 promptly declines, to mate (such as 18 DEG C) ambient water without any heating of pumping.Be assigned to the water mixing of two volumes in bottle 17, to be provided in the final temperature T_ of expectation _supplythe predetermined V_ of (being such as set in 37 DEG C) _supply.

Fig. 9 illustrates the temperature curve 62 of the water of the distribution in the bottle of the operation cycle running through utensil.After pump 22 initial power-up, water temperature very rapidly rises to about 95 DEG C.At the end t_ in the first pump operated period _{pump 1}place, the water V_ of the first volume _initiallythere is the mean temperature of about 80 DEG C, and its when Infant Formula Enterprises is added in bottle at pause t_ _pauseperiod remains on more than 70 DEG C, to guarantee the sterilizing of powder.Due to pump operated second period t_ _{pump 2}period, cold water is assigned with, so the temperature 62 of water in bottle declines, when the water of final volume has been assigned with to form cumulative volume Vol_ _supplytime reach the final mean temperature of about 37 DEG C.

Due to all energy Q_ inputted by the heating element heater 30 of band sheath _pointfor heating system, so there is no need to measure final coolant-temperature gage T_ for utensil _supply, this can calculate simply from formula 10:

T_ _supply=T_ _tank+ Q_ _point/ (m_ _supplyx Cp_ _water) (formula 10)

Wherein, m_ supply is the quality that the liquid Vol_ of whole volumes in bottle 17 supplies.

The operation according to the equipment of second group of embodiment will be described now with further reference to Figure 10-12.Flow chart seen in fig. 10 illustrates when equipment is operated to distribute continuously the final temperature T_ with expectation of predetermined _supplythe geothermal liquid Vol_ of (such as 37 DEG C) _supplytime the step that can take.In this scheme, equipment is not used in and distributes the first independent volume V_ at specific predetermined initial temperature place _initially, namely " thermal shock can not be crossed " at 70 DEG C or higher height.But can see from the heating curves of Figure 11 and 12, during the first period of operation, some liquid can be assigned with at this temperature place, but not pausing to make user to know mixes infant formula milk with liquid when it is at this temperature place.

According to Figure 10, heating element heater 30 was energized with the time roughly the same with pump 22, and namely fluid heater 27 does not have preheating.As before, voltage compensating circuit may be used for measuring the voltage V_ being applied to fluid heater 27 _input.Electric controller 50 calculates heater element power according to formula 1, then calculates predetermined Vol_ from the supply size (kg) inputted at user interface MMI _supply.Then can calculate predetermined Vol_ according to formula 2 _supplybe heated to the final temperature T_ of expectation _supplyrequired gross energy Q_ _always.Due to Vol_ _supplybe continuously allocated, thus can according to formula 11 calculate simply be used for pump operated time period t _ _pump:

T_ _pump=Vol_ _{supply/flow rate}(formula 11)

Wherein flow rate is the flow rate of the liquid entering fluid heater 27.If be provided with upstream pressure to compensate permanent flow valve 26, this flow rate can be set by it, or this flow rate can be the known constant of pump 22'.

Electric controller 50 reads from the NTC1 thermistor 40 in water pot 6 and the reading being arranged on the NTC2 thermistor 42 on heating element heater 30, to provide temperature T ₁(=T_ _tank) and T ₂(=T_ _element).Reach the final temperature T_ of expectation _supplytotal moisture content required for (such as 37 DEG C) raises as DT or Δ T=T_ _supply-T ₁.Then formula 2 is used to calculate required gross energy Q_ _always.Such as Cp_ _water=4180 and lose K ₁=1.1 (10% of initial value).In order to consider any heat energy stored in systems in which, controller 50 also uses formula 5 to calculate G_ _store.Then heater ETAD expected time of arrival and departure t_ _heatercan calculate from formula 6.

Pump 22,22' can continued operation or liquid can use pulse pump to operate to distribute roughly continuously.For the liquid of smaller size smaller, heater ETAD expected time of arrival and departure t_ _heatercan almost with the same length of pump ETAD expected time of arrival and departure t_ pump, with constant flow rate, need pulse pump to operate so controller 50 checks whether, such as, if t_ _heater>t_ _pump-3s.Fluid heater 27 is at time t_ _heaterstop rear power-off.Pump is operated (continuously or in a pulsed fashion) until t_ _pumpto stop and waste heat is removed, made Vol_ supply the temperature T_ with expectation _supply.

Figure 11 and 12 illustrates the activation curve for heater 27 and pump 22,22', and for the temperature curve T_ of the water in tank _tank(being measured by NTC1), the temperature curve T_ of heater _element(being measured by NTC2) and be assigned in exit in bottle by the temperature of liquid heated.Figure 11 illustrates for Vol_ _supplythe curve of=120ml, Figure 12 illustrates for Vol_ _supplythe curve of=330ml.

Those skilled in the art can understand, and embodiment described above is only the example how principle of the present invention can be applied, and has much possible modification within the scope of the invention.Such as, principle of the present invention may be used for the water or other liquid that produce different temperatures, and may be used for the object different from preparing infant formula milk.In addition, the concrete type of the heater illustrated is dispensable, can replace the fluid heater or the batch heater that use any other.In addition, water can be supplied from vertical source (main line of such as supplying water), instead of from the funnel in utensil.

Claims

1. operation comprises the method for the equipment of the pump of the geothermal liquid of heater and distribution predetermined, said method comprising the steps of:

Measure the temperature of the liquid of described heater upstream;

Calculate and be used for the liquid of described predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by described heater energy from upstream temperature;

Calculate and be used for the energising of described heater with the "ON" time period of sending calculated energy;

Described heater is energized the "ON" time period calculated;

Described pump is operated during first time period, with be distributed in from the outlet of described equipment predetermined initial temperature or the first volume on described predetermined initial temperature by the liquid heated, wherein said first time period is in the identical period at least in part with described the calculated "ON" time period;

Make described heater power-off; And

After described first time period, make described pump operated second time period, to distribute the liquid of the second volume from the outlet of described equipment, thus remove waste heat from described heater, described first volume provides described predetermined together with described second volume,

The final temperature of mean temperature desired by after described predetermined has distributed of the liquid of wherein said first volume and the liquid of described second volume.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein said heater comprises fluid heater, and in described fluid heater, liquid allows to enter and leave described heater when heating and occurring.

3. method according to claim 2, wherein said fluid heater comprises the pipe of the liquid stream conduit being adjacent to and arranging each other and the heating element heater comprising band sheath.

4., according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, comprise the liquid of the described pump of process and/or described heater upstream further.

5., according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein calculate the temperature being used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to the energy of desired final temperature by described heater step from described upstream temperature and comprising temperature or the described heater downstream measuring described heater.

6. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, comprise further send constant flow rate liquid by described heater.

7. method according to claim 6, wherein said pump is displacement pump, and described displacement pump is arranged to send the liquid of constant flow rate by described heater.

8. the method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said equipment is included in the flow regulator in the downstream of described pump, to send the liquid of constant flow rate by described heater.

9. the method according to claim 6,7 or 8, wherein said constant flow rate between 100ml/ minute and 300ml/ minute, such as, between 150ml/min and 250ml/min, and preferably about 170ml/min.

10., according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said predetermined initial temperature is greater than 60 DEG C, such as, be greater than 65 DEG C, and is further preferably greater than 70 DEG C.

11. methods according to any one of claim 1-9, wherein said predetermined initial temperature is greater than environment temperature, such as, be greater than 25 DEG C, 30 DEG C, 40 DEG C or 50 DEG C.

12. operations comprise the method for heater and the equipment for the device of the geothermal liquid that distributes predetermined, said method comprising the steps of:

Measure the temperature of the liquid of described heater upstream;

Calculate and be used for the energising of described heater with the "ON" time period of sending described calculated energy;

Described heater is energized described the calculated "ON" time period;

During calculated first time period, distribute the direct-fired liquid of the first volume from the outlet of described equipment, wherein said first time period is in the identical period at least in part with described the calculated "ON" time period;

Make described heater power-off; And

From the second time period that the liquid of described outlet distribution second volume of described equipment calculates after described first time period, the liquid of described second volume is heated indirectly by removing waste heat from described heater, described first volume provides described predetermined together with described second volume, and the mean temperature of the liquid of wherein said first volume and the liquid of described second volume is the described desired final temperature after described predetermined distributes.

13. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said desired final temperature between 27 DEG C and 47 DEG C, preferably between 32 DEG C and 42 DEG C, and further preferably about 37 DEG C.

14. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, is included in and operates described pump and described heater is energized, to start the calculated "ON" time period to start the roughly the same time place of described first time period.

15. methods according to any one of claim 1-13, the beginning of wherein said calculated "ON" time period is before the beginning of described first time period.

16. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, be included in described pump operated before make described heater be energized preheating time section, until reach predetermined preheat temperature.

17. methods according to claim 16, the described predetermined preheat temperature of wherein said heating element heater is greater than 200 DEG C, such as 210 DEG C.

18. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, operates described pump with being included in described first time period period.

19. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, and the end of wherein said first time period is after the end of described calculated "ON" time period.

20. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, is included between described first time period and described second time period and stops described pump.

21. methods according to any one of claim 1-18, wherein make described heater power-off stop described first time period, and described pump operate to start described second time period immediately continuously.

22. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, and wherein said second time period is longer than described first time period.

23. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, and the liquid of wherein said second volume is greater than the liquid of described first volume.

24. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the liquid of wherein said first volume between 20ml and 100ml, preferably between 20ml and 60ml.

25. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, and the liquid of wherein said predetermined is selected by user.

26. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the liquid of wherein said predetermined between 50ml and 350ml, preferably between 60ml and 300ml, such as 200ml.

27. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, comprises further and discharges too high pressure from described heater.

28. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, comprises and calculating for operating described pump with the described first time period of the liquid of the liquid and described second volume that distribute described first volume and described second time period.

29. according to method in any one of the preceding claims wherein, comprises further and measures main power voltage and consider that described main power voltage is to regulate the operation of described heater and/or described pump.

30. according to the method described in claim 29, considers described measured described main power voltage when being included in the described "ON" time period calculated for making described heater be energized.

31. for distributing the equipment of the geothermal liquid of predetermined, comprises heater, pump, temperature sensitive temperature sensor to the liquid of described heater upstream, and control device, and described control device is arranged to:

Receive the upstream temperature data from described temperature sensor,

Calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by described heater energy from upstream temperature,

Calculating is used for described heater is energized, to send the "ON" time period required for described calculated energy,

Described heater is energized described the calculated "ON" time period,

Described pump is operated during first time period, with be distributed in from the outlet of described equipment predetermined initial temperature or the first volume on predetermined initial temperature by the liquid heated, wherein said first time period is in the identical period at least in part with described the calculated "ON" time period

Make described heater power-off, and

After described first time period, make described pump operated second time period, to distribute the liquid of the second volume from the outlet of described equipment, thus remove waste heat from described heater, described first volume provides described predetermined together with described second volume;

The mean temperature of the liquid of wherein said first volume and the liquid of described second volume is the described desired final temperature after described predetermined distributes.

32. equipment according to claim 31, wherein said heater comprises fluid heater, allows the liquid when heating generation to enter and leave described heater in described fluid heater.

33. equipment according to claim 32, wherein said fluid heater comprises the pipe of the liquid stream conduit being adjacent to and arranging each other and the heating element heater comprising band sheath.

34. equipment according to claim 31,32 or 33, comprise the reservoir for supplying liquid to described heater.

35. equipment according to claim 34, are included in the middle maintenance chamber between described reservoir and described pump, and for described maintenance chamber being filled into from described reservoir the device of predetermined water level.

36. equipment according to claim 34 or 35, wherein said temperature sensor be arranged in described reservoir or be arranged in described in the middle of keep chamber.

37. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 36, comprise liquid handling device, described liquid handling device is arranged on the upstream of described pump and/or described heater.

38. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 37, comprise further temperature sensor, and it is to the responsive to temperature in the downstream of the temperature of described heater or described heater; Wherein said control device is arranged to use the energy for described heater, the liquid of predetermined being heated to desired final temperature by the temperature computation of described further temperature sensor measurement from described upstream temperature.

39. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 38, comprise the device of the liquid for sending constant flow rate by described heater.

40. according to equipment according to claim 39, and the wherein said device for sending constant flow rate is positioned at the downstream of described pump and the upstream of described heater.

41. according to method according to claim 39, and the wherein said device for sending constant flow rate comprises displacement pump.

42. equipment according to claim 39,40 or 41, wherein said constant flow rate between 100ml/ minute and 300ml/ minute, such as, between 150ml/min and 250ml/min, and preferably about 170ml/min.

43. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 42, wherein said predetermined initial temperature is greater than 60 DEG C, such as, be greater than 65 DEG C, and is further preferably greater than 70 DEG C.

44. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 42, wherein said predetermined initial temperature is greater than environment temperature, such as, be greater than 25 DEG C, 30 DEG C, 40 DEG C or 50 DEG C.

45., for distributing the equipment of the geothermal liquid of predetermined, comprise heater, for the device of dispense liquid, to the temperature sensitive temperature sensor of the liquid of described heater upstream, and control device, described control device is arranged to:

Receive the upstream temperature data from described temperature sensor,

Calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by described heater energy from described upstream temperature,

Described heater is energized described the calculated "ON" time period,

Calculate the first time period of the direct-fired liquid distributing the first volume from the outlet of described equipment, wherein said first time period is in the identical period at least in part with described the calculated "ON" time period,

Make described heater power-off, and

Calculate second time period after described first time period of distributing the liquid of the second volume from the outlet of described equipment, the liquid of described second volume is heated indirectly by removing waste heat from described heater, and described first volume provides described predetermined together with described second volume;

The final temperature of mean temperature desired by after described predetermined distributes of the liquid of wherein said first volume and the liquid of described second volume.

46. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 45, wherein said desired final temperature between 27 DEG C and 47 DEG C, preferably between 32 DEG C and 42 DEG C, and further preferably about 37 DEG C.

47. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 46, the beginning of wherein said calculated "ON" time period is before the beginning of described first time period.

48. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 47, wherein said control device makes described heater be energized section preheating time before being arranged in the described pump of operation, until reach predetermined preheat temperature.

49. equipment according to claim 48, the described predetermined preheat temperature of wherein said heating element heater is greater than 200 DEG C, such as 210 DEG C.

50. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 46, wherein make described heater be energized, to start described the calculated "ON" time period with the described pump of operation to start the roughly the same time place of described first time period.

51. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 50, wherein said control device is arranged in described first time period and periodically operates described pump.

52. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 51, the end of wherein said first time period is after the end of described calculated "ON" time period.

53. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 52, wherein said control device is arranged between described first time period and described second time period and stops described pump.

54. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 50, wherein make described heater power-off stop described first time period, and described pump operate continuously, to start described second time period immediately.

55. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 54, wherein said second time period is longer than described first time period.

56. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 55, the liquid of wherein said second volume is greater than the liquid of described first volume.

57. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 56, the liquid of wherein said first volume between 20ml and 100ml, preferably between 20ml and 60ml.

58. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 57, comprise input unit, to allow the liquid being selected described predetermined by user.

59. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 58, the liquid of wherein said predetermined between 50ml and 350ml, preferably between 60ml and 300ml, such as 200ml.

60. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 59, comprise relief valve, described relief valve is arranged to discharge too high pressure from described heater.

61. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 60, wherein said control device is arranged to calculate for operating described pump with the described first time period of the liquid of the liquid and described second volume that distribute described first volume and described second time period.

62. equipment according to any one of claim 31 to 61, wherein said control device is arranged to measure main power voltage and consider that described main power voltage regulates the operation of described heater and/or described pump.

63. equipment according to claim 62, comprise the tension measuring circuit of the described main power source being connected to described equipment.

64. equipment according to claim 62 or 63, wherein said control device be arranged in calculate for make described heater be energized needed for the "ON" time period time consider measured by main power voltage.

65. operations comprise the method for the equipment of the pump of the geothermal liquid of heater and distribution predetermined, said method comprising the steps of:

Measure the main power voltage being provided to described heater; Measure the temperature of the liquid of the upstream of described heater;

Calculate and be used for the liquid of predetermined is heated to desired final temperature by described heater energy from upstream temperature;

Main power voltage measured by consideration calculates for making described heater be energized with the time period of sending calculated energy,

Described heater is energized described the calculated "ON" time period; And

Operate described pump, to send the liquid of described predetermined.

66. methods according to claim 65, comprising:

Operate described pump in first time period, to distribute the liquid of the first volume, described first time period is in the identical period at least in part with described the calculated "ON" time period,

Make described heater power-off, and

Operate described pump second time period subsequently, to distribute the liquid of the second volume,

Wherein said first volume provides the liquid of described predetermined together with described second volume.

67. methods according to claim 66, wherein after the Liquid distribution of described predetermined, the mean temperature of described first volume and described second volume is described desired final temperature.

68. methods according to claim 66 or 67, after being included in described heater power-off, operating described pump continuously or stop described pump at pause.

69. for distributing the equipment of the geothermal liquid of predetermined, comprises heater, pump, temperature sensitive temperature sensor to the liquid of described heater upstream, and control device, and described control device is arranged to:

Measure the main power voltage being provided to described heater;

Receive the upstream temperature data from described temperature sensor;

Consider that described measured main power voltage calculates for making described heater be energized with the time period of sending described calculated energy;

Described heater is energized the "ON" time period calculated; And

Operate described pump, to distribute the liquid of described predetermined.

70. equipment according to claim 69, wherein said control device is arranged to:

During first time period, operate described pump, to distribute the liquid of the first volume, described first time period is in the identical period at least in part with described the calculated "ON" time period,

Make described heater power-off, and

71. equipment according to claim 70, wherein after the liquid distributing described predetermined, the mean temperature of described first volume and described second volume is described desired final temperature.

72. equipment according to claim 70 or 71, wherein after described heater power-off, described pump operates continuously, or stops at pause.